Miley's 17th Birthday — Cake and Constantine! It's Been Quite a Year!

With family, friends and (boy?)friend Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth by her side, Miley Cyrus kicked off her b-day celebration early at a surprise ’80s-themed party in N.Y.C. last week.

The tween star, whose actual birth date is Nov. 23, took in a performance by the cast of Rock of Ages (including former American Idol and enjoyed a custom-made vanilla cake designed by TLC’s Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro in the Canal Room.

Based on these photos, Miley, we’ll assume you had a blast at the bash, but let’s also look back at the past 12 months — you’ve definitely had your share of ups and downs.

Sure you live the charmed life of a Disney starlet, but there were times this past year when sixteen was anything but sweet for you. As you mark the big one-seven today, we’re taking a look back at the good times — and the bad ones. What a year it’s been!

The Ups:

You kicked your sixteenth year off right with an incredible party at Disneyland! And we forgive you for celebrating more than a month early (the party was held on Oct. 5!)

You had the No. 1 movie at the box office, Hannah Montana: The Movie, in early April. It took in $34 million in its first weekend alone!

You teamed up with designer Max Azria to create a clothing line sold at Wal-mart. Cute outfits at affordable prices? Well done!

You got yourself a hot new man! You and Liam have gotten real close since you filmed The Last Song in Georgia this past summer. Seriously, Justin who?

Your song “Party in the USA” was one of the biggest anthems of the summer! People all over the world were moving their hips “like yeah” to your chart topper.

The Downs:

You were sued in February over a photo of you and your friends making potentially offensive faces. The case was thrown out, but you should really be more careful!

You got some unwanted attention in early August from a stalker, 53-year-old Mark McLeod. Fortunately he was caught and thrown behind bars!

You stirred up controversy (yet again) when you pole danced at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards on Aug. 9. Even if it was all in good fun, you definitely got a few parents riled up!

You ticked off quite a few Twitter users when you decided to ditch the social networking site. You know, it’s never too late to hop back on the bandwagon!